International community supports Ressa as journalist faces charges filed by gov’t

The international community has expressed support for embattled journalist Maria Ressa who is currently facing multiple cases filed by the Philippine government, an act perceived by some as an attack on press freedom in the country.

David Kaye, the United Nations’ (UN) rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, yesterday released a statement asking the government to drop its charges against Ressa and the news website she has founded, Rappler.

He said: “In light of past measures taken against Rappler, I am concerned that the charges of tax evasion constitute an attempt to silence the news outlet’s independent reporting. This is a serious threat against independent and investigative journalism in the Philippines and will have implications beyond its borders.”

Kaye and Roth’s statements come a day after Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland expressed concern for Ressa’s safety.

Freeland wrote on her Twitter account: “Canada remains deeply concerned for the security and safety of @mariaressa in the #Philippines. The harassment and intimidation of journalists have no place in [a] democracy. We call for due process to be respected and stand with all journalists working in defence of the truth.”

Canada remains deeply concerned for the security and safety of @mariaressa in the #Philippines. The harassment and intimidation of journalists have no place in democracy. We call for due process to be respected and stand with all journalists working in defence of the truth.

Rappler said that the case in the Pasig RTC is just one of the five cases filed by the DOJ against the news organization. According to the DOJ, the holding affiliate of Rappler, Rappler Holdings Corporation, allegedly did not declare a profit of PHPP162.41 million from the issuance of Philippine Depositary Receipts (PDRs), the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.

Ressa is also being investigated for alleged cyber libel and for allegedly violating the anti-dummy law.

Duterte even called Rappler “a fake news outlet” after it published a report about how his special assistant, Christopher “Bong” Go, allegedly got involved in the selection of suppliers of the Philippine Navy’s Combat Management System.